Mood

Connecting Food and Your Mood

You may not expect a mental health practitioner to prescribe a healthy eating plan, but that approach may not be far off. In recent years, scientists have been studying the link between food and mood more closely. They've found that there may be a relationship between the risk of common mental health issues - including depression and anxiety - and our diet quality.

Dehydration Affects Your Mood

Dehydration has long been known to compromise physical performance. Now, a new Tufts study provides insight into the effects of mild dehydration on young athletes, and possibly into the lives of people too busy to consume enough water daily. About 30 male and female Tufts students were assigned to either a dehydration group not given fluids during athletics, or a control group that was given water. Participants weighed in before and after athletics to assess body water loss. After athletic activity, participants underwent cognitive tests, which included short-term memory and mood scales.

Trans Fats Tied to Depression Risk

Could trans fats be making you blue-and not just because of their dangerous effects on your heart health? A new Spanish study of more than 12,000 men and women reports that those consuming the highest level of trans fats were 48% more likely to suffer from depression. People consuming the most healthy poly- and monounsaturated fats, on the other hand, saw a lower incidence of depression
Tai Chi

Tai Chi Helps Relieve Depression in People Over 60

Feeling blue? Maybe the ancient Chinese practice of tai chi can help. Researchers at UCLA report that a gentle, Westernized version of tai chi, when paired with a standard depression drug among a group of depressed elderly adults, led to greater improvements in depression

Women Who Drink Coffee Less Prone to Depression

offee may do more than merely perk you up in the morning: Over time, it might also reduce your risk of depression

Chewing Gum May Perk You Up

Can chewing gum help keep you alert? Thats the suggestion of a new British study

Trans Fats Make You Grouchy

Maybe its the French fries and bear claws that are making you angry

Are Beverage Choices Linked to Depression?

Thats the possibility posed by a large new National Institutes of Health study that reports older adults who drink four or more sweetened soft drinks daily were 30% more likely to develop depression.

Unhealthy Eating Makes Bad Mood Worse

If youre already worried about your weight and diet